Monaco’s stadium undergoes rolling upgrade

Several challenges remain to bring Monaco’s iconic sports stadium up to modern-day standards, and they are all being met with a work programme that will continue for several more years.

One of the factors that must be taken into account as the programme moves forward is that Stade Louis II is used 360 days a year, often for most of each day.

Patrice Cellario, Minister of the Interior, who was technical director of the stadium from 1985 until 1988, told local French-language daily Monaco Matin that the upgrades are long overdue. One problem is to schedule renovation work alongside the continuing daily use of the stadium.

One area undergoing an upgrade is the lighting. In 1985 the strength of the lights on the main field was set at 1,200 lux, but this is no longer bright enough for high-definition television, which demands 2,000.

In addition to being the home of AS Monaco soccer team, the stadium has a basketball hall and 11 specialised rooms that house other sporting associations. The International University of Monaco is also accommodated in the stadium.

As work progresses, one priority is to take the stadium into a greener future, in accordance to the wishes of HSH Prince Albert.

[caption id="attachment_20080" align="alignnone" width="960"] João Moutinho (L) scores with free kick Photo: Facebook AS Monaco[/caption]
Monaco opened their Ligue 1 title defence by coming from behind twice on Friday night for a 3-2 victory against Toulouse at Stade Louis II.
Zinedine Machach scored for the visitors after just six minutes before Jemerson equalled for the champions with a header after 28 minutes.
Radamel Falcao rescued Monaco with the second goal for the home side after Andy Delort had shocked the hosts with a goal for Toulouse 53 minutes into the game.
The thrills continued as, with 20 minutes of the game remaining, Kamil Glik headed home Joao Moutinho’s free kick from close range to rescue Monaco’s fight back.
However, Monaco’s three-point win was somewhat marred when Kylian Mbappe was injured after 74 minutes and had to leave the field with an apparent knee injury. Eighteen-year-old Mbappe scored 26 goals in 44 appearances for Monaco last season and has been the target of transfer bids from Arsenal and Real Madrid.